Decisions, Decisions...

By Clarity Scifiroots
Disclaimers apply
Summary: Little siblings can prove to be amazingly helpful at times. (Written for "decision" on promptsomeslash, lj community)

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River cocked her head and stood very still in the dim light of the hallway. The majority of the crew had retreated to their quarters, although very few were asleep. Her lips curved into a smile at the fiery aura she could sense from Wash and Zoe's bunk. They held nothing back, she liked that.

Her thoughts were diverted as the voice she'd heard earlier began to unravel and she was able to decipher a litany of curses. Grinning, she skipped down the hall to peek in on her brother and find out what had him so upset; Kaylee would be amazed with just how many swear words Simon knew.

"Whatcha doing?" River inquired innocently as she peered around the doorway into the infirmary. A mess of supplies sat on the counter. He was organizing. She understood. "Head too full," she said wisely, entering fully.

Simon stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, sleeves rolled up, his vest buttons mis-matched with the holes. River took all of that in as he attempted to come up with some answer to appease her.

"It's... nothing, mei-mei. I couldn't sleep..." He shrugged, a small, apologetic smile on his face.

River ignored his words, they wouldn't tell her anything. A finger to her lips, she circled him slowly, taking in the disarray of his hair and the wrinkles in his partially un-tucked shirt. She leaned in, curious. Immediately she recognized the captain's unique aura clinging to Simon like a lingering embrace. Giggling, she stepped back and clapped her hands in delight. Simon stared at her with wide eyes, a hint of despair in his eyes.

"Stupid," she scolded. "Happily ever-afters!" She reached out and unbuttoned his vest, despite his protests, and then re-buttoned it in the proper order. "Where is the captain?"

Simon bit his lip and she sensed that he was starting to understand. "Ah... River, I'm really not... too sure."

She punched him lightly in the shoulder. "Ridiculous, you already decided!"

"Decided what?" Simon rubbed at the should she'd hit.

Rolling her eyes, River started pushing him towards the door. "Go! Live happily ever-after!"

"River...?"

She managed to shove him out the door and promptly closed it. She held tight to the handle so that he couldn't get back in.

"River! Open the door! What are you doing?"

She smiled enigmatically through the portal window. She could feel the vibrations of the captain's feet approaching. Perfect! A few more moments and--

"What's the ruckus?"

Simon froze, hand raised to pound against the infirmary door. "Oh, ah, Captain..."

Mal's face appeared in the window and she smiled charmingly at him. He smirked back at her, then focued on Simon.

"Seems lil' sis doesn't want you workin' yourself to the bone, Doc."

"But..." Simon started, peering worriedly over Mal's shoulder.

River made a face. "Go! Have fun!" she said.

Mal glanced back at her an wink. "Will do, lil' lady. You heard the woman, Simon. Time for a late-night visit."

"Mal..." Simon complained, although he was letting Mal slowly drag him towards the stairs.

River waited until Simon had put his foot on the first step and then ran out. She stood on tip-toe to kiss his nose and then jumped up, arms wrapping around Mal's shoulders, and kissed his cheek. Before either man could react, she had danced away.

She made shooing motions with her hands. "Minds made up!" she declared.

Mal grabbed Simon around the waist and leaned in to murmur against his ear, "Guess sometimes it's easier lettin' lil' sis make the decisions, hmm?"

Simon elbowed him. "She just... clears things up," he argued.

River just rolled her eyes. They'd be okay now.